Archive | Mid-Atlantic

In the summer months, the town of Chincoteague, Virginia is flooded with visitors, all eager to enjoy the pristine scenery and beachy coastal vibe. However, those looking for a more laid-back escape will love experiencing a different side of this 7-mile long Eastern Shore barrier island in the fall months, when the crowds thin and […]

Summer’s just starting to simmer here on the east coast, which can only mean one thing: It’s beach time! But, who wants to deal with overcrowded beaches, tacky souvenir shops and horrible beach traffic? For those looking for a low-key summer destination with loads of local flavor, Virginia’s Eastern Shore is your ultimate beach getaway! […]

Gearing up for your first getaway of 2017? I’ve got just the place to help you leave winter’s chill behind and vault into spring: The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel! Recently renovated and reopened as one of Marriott’s premier Autograph Collection properties, the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel is quite frankly one of the best waterfront hotels in the […]

Happy Halloween! I’m celebrating the day with a glimpse into one of the creepiest places I’ve been during my travels: Eastern State Penitentiary in downtown Philadelphia. Upon opening in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary once aimed to rehabilitate prisoners using a strict Quaker-inspired method of isolation and penitence. Critics like Charles Dickins denounced the inadvertent cruelty of isolation-based inprisonment prompting […]

AH, FALL… Colorful leaves, cooler temperatures and a bounty of agritourism attractions abound throughout the mid-Atlantic region, making this the single best time of year to pack up the car and head out on a road trip. As peak leaf-peeping season kicks into gear, I’m sharing my favorite fall itineraries to help you plan your […]

Niagara Falls. Immense. Larger-than-life. Beautiful. Before last year, I had never been to Niagara Falls. On a whim, I decided to make the drive by myself after a trip to Erie last fall. Visiting the falls is utterly captivating. I could spend hours soaking it all in– the emerald green water tumbling over so edge and turning into […]

When I say the word “Gettysburg,” what’s the very first thing that comes to mind? I’d be willing to wager that for around 95% of you, you’d say “the battlefield.” And indeed, the battlefield is a big part of Gettysburg—over 6,000 acres to be exact. However, this charming destination has a lot to offer that goes […]

Trip Overview: When it comes to decking the halls for the holidays, few local destinations do it better than the National Harbor. Located in Oxen Hill, Maryland, the 300 acre-development features hotels, restaurants, shops and the sleek, eye-catching Capital Wheel ferris wheel. But from late November through December is when the Harbor shines the brightest, with spectacular decorations, attractions and event […]

Throughout the month of December, life shines a little more brightly in the DC area. Cars line up at regional parks to drive through stellar Christmas light displays. Theaters and symphony halls host annual performances of the Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah. Even the White House gets in on the holiday action as home to the National Christmas Tree! But when a quick […]

Today, I’m taking you on a D.C. road trip from one capital city to another to explore the burgeoning food scene in Annapolis, Maryland! Annapolis has long attracted visitors with its charming colonial buildings, history-laden downtown and laid-back maritime vibe. Over the past few years, a number of new restaurants have sailed into town, which […]

The mid-Atlantic is known for many things: historic cities and quaint small towns, stunning displays of fall leaves, beaches and bays… and now, lucky for us, beer! Over the past few years, the craft beer craze has settled in nicely in the mid-Atlantic, with new microbreweries popping up seemingly every day featuring the best ingredients, […]

Trip Overview: Located about one hour north of Philadelphia, Bucks County is a pastoral playland that combines history, natural beauty, charming accommodations, unique dining and more to create a relaxing getaway in the Pennsylvania countryside. Here, there’s truly something for everyone, with cultural anchors like New Hope and Doylestown to round out the experience with a dash of […]

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Welcome to Packed Suitcase!

Packed Suitcase is a travel blog featuring quick, satisfying trips that can easily be done in a weekend from a mid-Atlantic home base.

All throughout the site, you'll find inspiration, tips, gorgeous photography and itineraries for the best quick-trip destinations, with special emphasis on showing the awesome side of lesser-known places and experiences.

Have weekend travels worthy of the Monday morning water cooler… without having to take a lot of time off of work.

About Me

Hi, I'm Chris!

I'm known as a blogger who is relentless in her pursuit of a good road trip. When I create an itinerary, I like to really explore a destination. From the hottest spots in town, to the hidden gems that go under the radar. I’ve found that the best itineraries include a mix of both.